China's new envoy voices hope for mutual support for successful APEC hosting

▲ New Chinese Ambassador to South Korea Dai Bing speaks to media upon his arrival at Gimpo International Airport, west of Seoul, on Dec. 27, 2024. (Yonhap)

China-new ambassador

China's new envoy voices hope for mutual support for successful APEC hosting

By Kim Seung-yeon

SEOUL, Dec. 27 (Yonhap) -- China's new top envoy to Seoul expressed hope Friday that South Korea and China will work together to successfully host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, which will be held consecutively by the two countries in the next two years.

Chinese Ambassador Dai Bing made the remarks upon his arrival in South Korea to assume his new role, filling the position left vacant since his predecessor, Xing Haiming, departed in July.

"We hope to strengthen cooperation with South Korea to promote peace and stability in the region and support each other for the successful hosting of the APEC summit," Dai said in a statement released by the Chinese Embassy in Seoul.

South Korea is due to host the APEC summit in 2025 in the southeastern city of Gyeongju and China is the APEC host for 2026.

The APEC leaders' meeting has drawn attention as Chinese President Xi Jinping is likely to visit South Korea for the occasion. If realized, it will be Xi's first trip to Seoul in 11 years after his last visit in July 2014.

"I hope that we can create favorable conditions to further develop our bilateral relations, for solidarity and cooperation in the international community and to safeguard the international free trade system," he said.

Dai stressed that the bilateral relationship is at an important stage of "building on the past and moving toward the future," describing Seoul and Beijing as "partners that cannot separate" and are "indispensable" to one another.

"Strengthening friendly cooperation best serves the fundamental interests of both nations," Dai said.

Speaking to the press upon his arrival, Dai noted that it is his first time serving in a post in Korea and that he feels a "great sense of responsibility" as the ambassador.

"I hope to make many new and good friends here. I will dedicate myself to deepening the friendship and cooperation between our two countries," Dai said at Gimpo International Airport, west of Seoul.

Dai also said he expects South Korea will "overcome the difficulties and achieve stability," in an apparent reference to the current political turmoil surrounding President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment over his botched martial law imposition.

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